Margaret Louise Hill

Obituary Margaret Louise Hill On January 9, 1925, Margie (Margaret Louise) Gehri came into the world as the firstborn child of Cathryn Rose Butler Gehri and Adolf Gehri. She slipped away to the great place of peace in the company of her family, early in the morning on May 26, 2009, having been a Tacoma girl her entire life. She attended Franklin Grade School, Jason Lee Middle School, and Stadium High School. She resided in the family home on South Oakes until her marriage to John R. Hill in 1945. Margie and John purchased their first home in the North End where they began their family, raising their two children in the ‘little house' until 1955 when they moved to the ‘big' house four doors up the street. They spent their life together there until John's death in 1991 after 46 years of marriage. Margie spent the next 18 years relishing the comfort of the ‘big' house with her assorted pet family and beautiful gardens. Margie was also incredibly proud of the wonderful ocean waterfront A-frame cabin she and John dreamed of and built from the ground up in 1964, another labor of love and testament to her capable and creative touch. The cabin, known as While-Away, was often filled with laughter and antics of a multitude of friends over the years. In later years, she and John enjoyed special trips to the Southwest with dear friends. Long-lasting memories of these places and times, preserved in well-crafted photo albums, are ours to enjoy forever. Although she was never one to call attention to herself, her accomplishments were many! Margie's home was her castle and her amazing gardens blossomed under her watchful eye and tender care; she worked her magic on even the saddest of plants. She was a painter extraordinaire, fiercely independent, and the original Mrs. Fixit! She was very gentle with creatures great and small, dogs, cats, birds, raccoons, or any other creature wandering to her yard or porch; they always knew she was a soft touch for an extra meal. She leaves us a legacy of memories, highlighted by her annual holiday feasts. Year after year, single-handedly and tirelessly, she planned every aspect of the upcoming occasion, shopping, decorating, cooking, and then graciously serving. She reigned in her kitchen and we are blessed to have shared so many times at her dining room table where meals were devoured with gusto and conversations always lively. Her Christmas cookies are legendary and the gift of those recipes will keep us close to her forever. Margie is the much beloved Mom of Lynn Hill Bernard and Christopher Elliott Hill, both of Tacoma, and will forever be in their hearts. She is the "big sister" to George Gehri (Pat) and Joanne Gehri, who was her dearest friend and kitchen chair companion; both George and Joanne will miss her greatly. She is the treasured mother-in-law of Jules Bernard. Always loving and loved by her grandchildren, Kirsten Hayes, Kevin Anderton (Jill), Erica Anderton, Cate Bernard (Jeremy Zolkowski), and Chase Hill. Special great-grandma to Jake, Zack, Hannah, and Stella, who had a wonderful visit with her last summer. A special place is reserved in Margie's heart for her nieces and their partners: Gale Gehri (Kevin Flanagan), Debbie Brammer (Charlie), and Sandie Gehri Bergman (Robert Bergman). We would like to thank so many who added richness to her life these past few months and years including Cascade Active Day for keeping her busy with crafts and company she enjoyed; the staff of 7D at St. Joseph Medical Center for their wonderful care in April; the Franciscan Hospice team for their compassion and kindness; wonderful Teresa and the staff of the North Hall at UP Care Center; Johann Bernardo, MD and Linda Bowen, RN who were always available and happy to see her; and also to Debbie Seelye. In honoring Margie's wishes, following a private family burial we invite you to join us as we celebrate her life with laughter, food, and spirits. Please call Lynn Bernard 253.759.6610 for time and details. Because of Margie's deep love and lifetime commitment to the well-being of animals, any donations made to the Humane Society for Tacoma in memory of Margie Hill; mail to Humane Society for Tacoma Pierce County, 2608 Center Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 or online at www.thehumanesociety.org